Ash deposition characteristics from high temperature co-combustion of oil palm waste with rubber and sengon woods

This study aims to assess the risks arising from the firing of oil palm waste, rubber wood (Hevea brasiliensis), and sengon wood (Albizia chinensis) that have different potential ash problems. These three biomasses were also mixed to determine the influence of each other. Material characterization, initial predictions using empirical calculations, lab scale combustion experiments using a drop tube furnace, and further ash observation using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were conducted to determine the overall risk of slagging, fouling, and corrosion. This study found that rubber wood has less risk slagging and fouling with more unfused ash particles and high melting minerals observed. Addition of rubber wood to oil palm waste is also able to minimize the slagging and fouling risk with less ash deposits and more unfused ash particles compared to single firing oil palm waste and mixed of sengon wood and oil palm waste. This study provides an insight of potential mixed biomass which may be able to improve the ash-related problems during combustion.